POWERGRAMS

6 State leaders gathered for two-day economic summit in Tuscaloosa. Alabama business, government and education leaders recently spent two days exchanging ideas, best practices and ways to boost the state's standard of living during the inaugural Economic Development Forum hosted in Tuscaloosa by Western Division employees. Alabama Power Vice President of Economic and Community Development Ken Novak, Western Division Vice President Mark Crews and business office managers and employees from Transmission, Real Estate and Industrial Marketing joined featured speakers representing all aspects of economic development. Participants included Alabama Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich, Alabama Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee, University of Alabama Vice Chancellor Jo Bonner, Auburn University Economic and Community Development Institute Director Joe Sumners, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development Director Nisa Miranda, Alabama Career and Technical Education Director Philip Cleveland and Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Vice President Steve Sewell. "Economic development is a major component of our business at Alabama Power, but there are many pieces that must come together to have success," Crews said. "This forum was designed to not only help us understand how all of these pieces fit together, but also how this success begins with the people that live and work in the communities we serve every day, working together as a team." The speakers challenged participants to look at economic development in new ways and to take what they learned and apply it in their own communities, Crews said. A major theme of the forum was the importance of building relationships not only in one's own community but also throughout the state. "The Economic Development Forum was a great opportunity to learn from individuals that have been recruiting industry and retail for many years," said Hamilton Business Office Manager Britton Lightsey. "The relationships and contacts we made will be very beneficial for us and our communities going forward." Alabama Department of Tourism Marketing Director Grey Brennan was among the speakers who shared success stories of recruiting businesses. He said every town can be a "tourist destination" through special events such as festivals. Much of the talk centered on workforce development, as speakers agreed Alabama must continue to grow its workforce to attract new business but must also help existing businesses and industries grow. "As a result of the forum, it has become even more apparent to me that everyone at Alabama Power has a role in economic development and the growth of our company," said Western Division Area Inventory Manager Ed Barnes. Western Division Area Manager Joseph Brown hosted the event and closed it by challenging the group to be more engaged in their communities. "Our rural communities are depleting every day, mainly because businesses are closing their doors for many reasons. We must make every effort to retain existing business and industry in all of our communities, regardless of size," Brown said. "I am not saying we need to act as new economic developers, but what we all can do is report back when we see or hear about a change in an organization's pattern or operations, and as you have heard over the course of these three days, we have the partners who can make a difference." Other participants included Alabama Power Manager of Power Contracts Larry Ramsey, Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Dara Longgrear, Alabama Department of Commerce Assistant Director Bob Smith, C3 of Northwest Alabama President David Thornell and EGS Commercial Real Estate Vice President Deborah McGill Smith. Attendees watched video messages from Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO Mark Crosswhite, Executive Vice President Steve Spencer, Executive Vice President Zeke Smith, Marketing and Economic Development Senior Vice President Greg Barker, State Rep. Bill Poole and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. By Anna Catherine Roberson Western Division forum brings leaders together POWER TO ALABAMA

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